Upper Ball Joint Installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
Upper Ball Joint Installation
I am about to start installing my upper Ball Joints. A short description of the process would be appreciated. I know you need to drill the heads off the rivets but do you try to drill through the entire length of the rivet or just drill the head off the punch the rivet out? Suggestion on drill size? This suspension rebuild has been quite a job! The bushing and u-joints in the rear went well but I have been fighting the front end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Drill both heads off and knock the rivet out with a punch and hammer. Removing the heads relieves the clamping tension. If you try to go all the way through with a hand drill, your likely going to go off center and eat through the control arm and not come out centered on the other side. Leaving the rivet hole elongated.
When you install the new upper ball joint bolts, have the nuts and extra threads on the top and bolt heads on the bottom. This prevents hitting the knuckle when you steer
When you install the new upper ball joint bolts, have the nuts and extra threads on the top and bolt heads on the bottom. This prevents hitting the knuckle when you steer
